Eurovision At Work

This year, we’re asking organisations to hold a Eurovision awareness raising events for Stonewall. We’ve listed a couple of ideas below to get you started.

Compare LGBT equality across Europe
Here in Britain we’ve made great advances for equality in recent years. But the picture across Europe is much more mixed. Some countries such as Spain and the Netherlands had marriage equality before the UK. In other countries however LGBT people are denied their fundamental right to equality. In Serbia, despite openly lesbian Marija Šerifović winning Eurovision in 2007, police have banned pride marches through Belgrade in 2011 and 2012. And following her victory in 2012, Sweden’s Loreen criticised Azerbaijan’s record on gay rights and recorded a video message supporting LGBT people in Moldova. In Russia some cities have passed new laws similar to Section 28 and the Russian and Ukrainian governments want these sorts of laws to apply country wide.

Why not use Eurovision and IDAHOT as an opportunity to encourage your organisation to think about LGBT equality across Europe.

Organise a Eurovision themed lunchWhy not organise a buffet lunch in the office or staff room? Encourage colleagues to bring in traditional dishes from across Europe and raise money for Stonewall by charging each other 50p or £1 a dish.

You can even download our Eurovision lunch invitation and display them across the office, so that no one misses out!

Eurovision Sweepstakes
At your lunch challenge each other to take part in a Eurovision sweepstakes where people can donate £1 to guess the Eurovision winner, top score, predict which country will be bringing up the rear and how many times the host will change outfits. Update all players with the results on Monday as well as letting them know how much you’ve raised.

Up the ante and make your Eurovision do fancy dress!
Have participants donate £1 to come to work on Friday dressed as their favourite Eurovision act. From ABBA to Jedward to Dustin the Turkey, there are sure to be some amazing outfits. Why not order Stonewall merchandise to give out as prizes for best costume?

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time and don't forget to send us photos of your lunch! Email them to James on james.baker@stonewall.org.uk or send them via Twitter to @stonewalluk.